Developing accurate and cost-effective genotyping tools is essential for improving breeding efficiency in fruit crops with long juvenile periods. This study presents Litchi40K v1.0, a flexible liquid SNP chip generated using high-depth resequencing data from 875 litchi accessions. The chip demonstrated strong applicability across population structure analysis, genome-wide association studies, genetic mapping, and germplasm fingerprinting. It enabled the identification of key genomic regions linked to fruit quality, growth habit, and environmental adaptation, including haplotypes in LITCHI026966 that significantly influence soluble solid content. Additionally, a derived Litchi384 fingerprinting panel supports standardized digital identification of cultivars. This tool provides a practical platform for modernizing litchi breeding and germplasm resource management.

Papaya yield has been shaped by a long history of domestication, but the genetic basis of high productivity has remained largely unresolved. This study provides a high-quality genome assembly of the widely cultivated papaya variety ‘Zihui’ and integrates population resequencing and pan-genome analysis to uncover key loci linked to yield traits. Notably, two genes—Cp_zihui06549, encoding a leucine-rich receptor-like protein kinase, and Cp_zihui06768, associated with photosystem I protein accumulation—were identified as major contributors to fruit production. Functional validation showed that overexpression of Cp_zihui06549 significantly increases fruit number, enhancing total yield. These findings establish essential genetic targets for improving papaya productivity and accelerating breeding programs.

The transportation sector, the second-largest emitter of global greenhouse gases, is undergoing a transformation with electrification and subsidies aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. Yet, a critical aspect often overlooked is the role of logistics in global trade and how geopolitical decisions can undermine these efforts. This study sheds light on the impact of suboptimal logistics on greenhouse gas emissions, using recent geopolitical restrictions between Russia and Western countries since 2022 and a scenario of reduced trade through the Red Sea observed in 2024.

A new case report shows that a quick, bedside ultrasound test can detect possible brain abscesses by identifying characteristic lesions. While not a definitive diagnostic tool, this low-cost method could help emergency departments, especially in resource-limited settings, triage patients faster for advanced scans and crucial surgery.

The rational design of platinum-based electrocatalysts with optimized metal-support electronic interactions remains a fundamental challenge in achieving atom-efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).